Shillong: In a major enforcement operation, the Meghalaya Police has seized more than 17,000 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal and 25.5 kg of explosive materials from abandoned mine sites in the East Jaintia Hills district, officials said.
The seizure follows intensified action against unlawful mining activities after the February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area, which claimed 34 lives and left several others injured.
The tragedy triggered tighter enforcement and sustained district-wide operations targeting illegal extraction and transportation networks.
Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Rasgania said the raid was conducted during the night of February 20–21, leading to the recovery of 17,322 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal along with explosives stored at abandoned mining locations.
No arrests were made during the specific operation.
ALSO READ: Failure to enforce court orders leads to death of young elephant Suman
However, police action since the February 5 blast has led to the registration of 94 FIRs and the arrest of 22 individuals in connection with illegal mining and coal transportation activities across the district.
In response to the deadly incident, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the explosion and also set up a judicial inquiry commission to examine possible lapses in enforcement.
The Meghalaya High Court is monitoring related proceedings and has directed senior police officials to appear during hearings.
Authorities said enforcement drives will continue across vulnerable areas of East Jaintia Hills, with strict legal action planned against those involved in the illegal extraction, storage, and transportation of coal.
Officials added that sustained operations will remain in place to dismantle networks operating outside the law and prevent further tragedies linked to illegal mining.
